A Welcome Asked for the New Publisher

This is an unusual front-page editorial, but it is for a historic event: The sale of the Antigo Daily Journal.

Berner Brothers Publishing Co. has published the daily newspaper for 113 years, and just a few months away from 114.

After surviving two world wars, a number of other conflicts and wars, Prohibition, The Great Depression and many other challenges of will, the Berner family persevered. Until Wednesday, it was the final free-standing and independent small town daily newspaper in Wisconsin.

While we take tremendous pride in our ability to survive, the Daily Journal has been tested by changes in retailing, readership, challenges from social media, demographics and more.

Adams Publishing Group, a Minneapolis firm, stepped into the Antigo picture Wednesday.

It has purchased papers in Wisconsin from families I know in Eau Claire, Janesville, Marinette-Menominee, Watertown and Fort Atkinson.

The list in Wisconsin is far longer – and that’s just the tip of the firm’s holdings.

There will be changes, and that is often difficult.

Noting that problem, the Adams organization has a reputation as a steward of the news, care for its employees and even more importantly in this age, content and information.

I ask that you welcome the Adams Publishing Group and its people.

I will take the liberty to speak for the Berners, the thousands of people who have worked for the Antigo Daily Journal during the 114 years and the friends my family has made – from Henry and Fred Berner in 1905 until today – and offer our thanks.

Fred Berner

Publisher

Click here to read more about the Antigo Daily Journal acquisition by Adams Publishing Group.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal